Democrats Must Focus On The Most Important Issue For The 2026 Elections

Last Saturday's protests by over 7 million people showed that Americans are worried about what Donald Trump is doing to this country. They don't like the way he is amassing power in the presidency at the expense of other branches of government and creating an authoritarian presidency. 

They don't like the way he has subverted the Department of Justice and is using it to punish his critics and political opponents.

They don't like the way he is trying to intimidate the news media and censor their reporting.

They don't like the way he has attacked colleges and universities in an attempt to destroy academic freedom and force the teaching of right-wing propaganda.

They don't like the way he has invented fraudulent emergencies so he could send troops into cities (especially those controlled by Democrats).

They don't like the way he is damaging the move to renewable energy sources to help his buddies in the oil, gas, and coal industries - the industries that contribute most to global climate change.

Those are important issues and they must be addressed. But Democratic candidates must keep their focus on the most important issue in next year's election -- THE ECONOMY, and how it is affecting most Americans.

Donald Trump won the 2024 election because he promised to create jobs and lower prices. Then he betrayed voters by doing neither. The job market has suffered under his leadership, with fewer jobs being created than under any other administration. And his tariffs on most countries have insured that inflation remains strong.

The Trump economy has been good for the rich. They are getting richer faster than ever before. But most Americans are suffering as they find it harder each month just to afford to live in this country. The price of everything is rising fast. Wages are not rising fast. 

His cuts to government programs are making life desperate for the poor, while the working and middle classes find themselves squeezed by rising prices (on nearly everything) and stagnant wages.

Make no mistake - the party that wins in 2026 will be the party that convinces voters they can make life in the United States affordable again. The party that can mitigate costs (groceries, gas, childcare, housing, healthcare, etc.) and contribute to rising wages. 

I think most Americans would love to side with the Democrats in opposing the actions Trump has taken - but only if they believe the Democrats understand their suffering and can build a better economy - one that lifts everyone (not just the rich). It's hard to worry about other issues when you are struggling every day to just pay for necessities.